Philly ARTrepreneurs is an idea I've had for the kids since I started teaching at Memphis Street when we started the school in 2012. Memphis
is a turnaround school that used to be called John Paul Jones Middle
School. The kids there have grown so much. The academic and behavioral
progress they have made is mind-blowing. My students are my heroes. I
say it all the time.

When
I show them my work, my t-shirt designs, comics, anthologies, and art
for shows, they always ask me how they can do it too. Now with this SEED
grant, I will be able to show them. In the next few months, we will be
outfitting my art room with professional equipment and programs so I can
show students how to design their own shirts and create their own books
and prints. I will also teach students about marketing and shipping
their creations.

The
proceeds from the products sold will be split three ways - 1/3 will go
to a charity of the student designer's choice. 1/3 will go to the
student in some form of scholarship. 1/3 will fold back into the ARTrepreneurs program to keep it moving forward for other students.

I
am blessed every day to have this job and work with these kids. I can't
wait to walk them through this experience of getting their work out
into the world to a wide audience. Please stay tuned for updates over
the next few months.